We’re preparing Kubuntu 12.10, the Quantal Quetzal, for distribution in October 2012. With this Alpha pre-release, you can see what we are trying out in preparation for our next version. We have some interesting things happening, so read on for highlights and information.

NOTE: This is an alpha pre-release. Kubuntu Pre-releases are NOT recommended for:

Regular users who are not aware of pre-release issues

Anyone who needs a stable system

Anyone uncomfortable running a possibly frequently broken system

Anyone in a production environment with data or workflows that need to be reliable

Kubuntu Pre-releases ARE recommended for:

Regular users who want to help us test by finding, reporting, and/or fixing bugs

Alpha 3 Highlights

1GB Images

We're bursting out of our increasingly limited CD sizes images. The 12.10 images will need a DVD or USB drive to install from. This will give us the room to ship more of the world class KDE Software.

KDE Plasma and Applications 4.9 Beta

The latest testing release of KDE's Plasma Workspaces and Applications brings new features and improvements all around. Highlights include further integration of Qt Quick in plasmoids making them more attractive, easier to enhance and extend and behave better on touchscreens. Dolphin file manager has improved its display and sorting and searching based on metadata. Deeper integration of Activities for files, windows and other resources.

New Software Selections

We are testing out some different default software selections. Please help us test them to help determine if these choices are worthy of inclusion or not.

Calligra Suite

We are experimenting with offering the KDE Office Suite as the default in 12.10. Users are encouraged to try it out and provide feedback for this.

Calligra has the best support for reading MS Office files from any open source software.

Calligra Suite expands our offering of creativity tools to include graphics creation, and project management. Please check out the Calligra site for more.

LightDM-KDE

We have replaced the login manager with LightDM which uses shiny QML based themes.

KDE Telepthy

Telepathy-KDE replaces the unmaintained Kopete as the default IM client. This new software provides for easy access to Facebook, Google, Yahoo and many other instant messaging protocols. Version 0.4 brings new video and chat log support. Run it from KDE IM Contacts from the K-menu.

Skanlite

Now included on the image is Skanlite, KDE's simple image scanning application

Kamoso

Also added is Kamoso. Use your webcam to make video recordings or snapshot photos using Kamoso. Its simple interface makes it very easy to use.

Kde-Config-Tablet

We have added a Wacom configuration tool for those with tablet input devices, this needs testing by anyone with the hardware necessary and feedback let for us.

Feedback

We want to hear your opinions on this beta.

Do we “Amarok”?

Did a feature make or break your day?

What do you flat-out dislike?

Take a look at the Ubuntu Code of Conduct, try Kubuntu 12.04 Beta 1 and head on over to the Feedback Page. Your input is an invaluable resource, so do take the time to write down your thoughts and let us know what you think!